Dr. Bilocerkowycz
Fall 2005
The term paper should provide analysis of some topic relevant to global politics, economics, society, or culture. Examine and evaluate a prominent leader, regional or international organization, regional or international conflict, or global or regional problem. Another possibility might be to discuss the pros and cons of some regional or international controversy--past or present-- and where you stand on the issue.
The length (body) of the paper should be 7-8 pages (typed and double-spaced). Do include a title page and utilize photo images, maps, and tables where appropriate to enhance your written presentation. Note that the numbering of pages begins only with the body of the paper
and that the first page of the body is understood to be page one (and thus need not be typed in but it is counted). The rest of the pages are numbered consecutively 2, 3 etc. No Roman numerals please.
Do use endnotes, MLA, or other citation system to clearly identify within the body of the paper the sources for various data, interpretations, or analyses of the topic. Be sure to cite author and page numbers assuming there are pages. Common knowledge does not need to be footnoted. Where possible go beyond news magazines and opinion-oriented publications (i.e. use scholarly books or academic journal articles where possible).
Also include a bibliography of sources used/consulted (or works cited list) separate from the endnotes if you use that system. The term papers will be due on October 24 (MON). Late papers will be penalized. Do make two copies of your papers, only one copy needs to be turned in, the other is your backup and can be used for in-class presentation purposes.
Do obtain formal approval of a paper topic from the instructor before beginning. No recycling of term papers done for, or topics covered extensively in, other classes. When in doubt discuss it with me to see what is or is not acceptable.
Possible Topics:
Global or Regional Actors:
(Why is that individual a significant global actor; on what topics; what problems and controversies do they face; what are their strengths and weaknesses; note notable achievements and setbacks. (Don’t simply describe but EVALUATE these leaders).
Pope John Paul II
Mother Teresa
Jimmy Carter
Bill Gates
Ted Turner
George Soros
Princess Diana
Bono (political/humanitarian activities)
Tony Blair
Nelson Mandela
Global or Regional Institutions
(Discuss the nature of the organization (size, membership etc); its global and/or regional role and significance; achievements and failures; strengths and weaknesses; and controversies. Don’t just describe but EVALUATE these institutions).
Specific bodies or agencies within or affiliated with the UN:
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
World Bank
World Trade Organization (WTO)
World Health Organization (WHO)
UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Org. (UNESCO)
European Union—debate over new Constitution
Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Organization of American States (OAS)
Organization of African Union (OAU)
Arab League
Islamic Conference
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
General Motors
Wal-Mart
Boeing
Nike
Greenpeace
Amnesty International
Human Rights Watch
International Red Cross
INTERPOL
Transparency International (and global rankings on corruption)
Global or Regional Topics:
(Discuss and EVALUATE the topic or problem; why is it a significant for global or regional politics; relevant controversies and where you come down on these matters and why; achievements or failures/setbacks).
Panama Canal Treaty Controversy
Just War Doctrine
UN Conference on Women
UN Conference on Population and Development
UN Conference on Human Environment
UN Conference on the Rights of the Child
Int. smoking problem
Air or other pollution
Land mine issue
Preserving tropical forests
Biological or chemical weapons
Persian Gulf War 1990-1991
Russian-Chechen War (recent 1999- )
India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir
Ethnic conflict (Rwanda)
Chernobyl Accident
Ukraine’s Orange Revolution
Olympic Games movement
Mad cow disease
AIDS as global crisis (or in a given region: Africa; East Europe)
Child labor
Human trafficking for forced prostitution—given region
Darfur conflict in Sudan
Tsunami crisis and international relief/aid
Iran’s nuclear program and the int. response
North Korea’s nuclear program and the 6-party talks